Beneath the Royal Veil

Ch 10

Evelina’s heart raced as she ascended the stone stairs, the cold dungeon air still clinging to her skin. Adriana’s confession echoed in her mind: the Queen and her witch had tried to poison her. Adriana had been manipulated, and her former friend’s beaten face haunted Evelina with its warnings. With Adriana’s life hanging in the balance, Evelina realized the dangers around her were greater than she had ever imagined.

Luca, she thought, her breath catching in her throat. Where is he? The uncertainty gnawed at her. Luca and her parents had vanished without a trace, and no one would tell her where they had gone—or if they would return.

She reached the main corridor and paused, glancing down the dim hallway. The palace felt colder, more treacherous now that she knew how deeply the Queen’s schemes ran. But she had to focus. With Luca gone, she had no one to rely on inside the palace walls.

I need a plan. But I can’t do this alone.

The soft echo of her footsteps was the only sound as she made her way to her chambers. Every flicker of torchlight felt like the gaze of unseen eyes. The Queen has spies everywhere, she reminded herself. I can’t let them see me falter.

Once inside her room, she quickly locked the door behind her and leaned against it with closed eyes for a moment. Exhaustion pressed down on her, but there was no time to rest. She had to act—before the Queen struck again.

Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach as a wave of protectiveness surged through her. Luca, where are you? Her beast stirred within, growling softly, sensing the danger and urging her to stay alert.

A sudden sound startled her. Evelina’s eyes flew open to find Caspian sprawled on the chaise, tears streaming down his face, a bottle of wine hanging loosely from his hand.

“Caspian…” Evelina began, her voice tentative.

“What?” he snapped, slurring his words. “Here to tell me how to act? Be more kingly? Or are you ready for round two of a night I can’t even remember?”

Evelina flinched at the bite in his words but steadied herself. “I just came from seeing Adriana.”

Caspian shot up, his body tense. “How is she?”

Evelina’s gaze sharpened. “I know, Caspian. Don’t lie to me. I know she’s your mate.”

His eyes flickered with something unreadable. “She might lose an eye if we don’t get her out of there. So, are you going to help me?”

He stared at her, stunned. “Why would you help her?” he asked, genuinely bewildered.

“She’s my friend,” Evelina said, her voice tight with emotion. “And you—despite everything—are my husband. I chose this marriage, knowing what it would cost me. I gave up my fated mate to stand by your side.” She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. “And I regret it, Caspian. Every day, I wonder what my life would’ve been if I had chosen differently.”

Her voice faltered but only for a moment before she regained her composure. “But none of that matters now. What matters is saving her—and figuring out how we survive this. Together or not, we don’t have time to waste.”

Caspian’s face crumpled, torn. “But… my mother—”

“Your mother?” Evelina’s voice grew sharper. “She already tried to poison me, Caspian. I’m not safe here. Neither is Adriana. So tell me, whose side are you on? Can I trust you? Do you want to save Adriana or not?”

Caspian’s face drained of color. He averted his gaze, as though avoiding her eyes would spare him the weight of the decision. After a long silence, he nodded. “Yes, I’ll help. I’ve been a pawn in my mother’s game for too long. She controls this kingdom, even though my father’s the face of it. She has spies, shadow forces… She’s behind everything.”

“Caspian,” Evelina said, stepping closer, her voice low and urgent, “do you think she had something to do with my parents’ disappearance?”

He hesitated, then nodded grimly. “Your parents’ kingdom has been a thorn in her side for too long. They had too much power. This whole rogue situation—it’s too convenient. Why would one of the strongest kingdoms suddenly have problems with rogues? Who are they? Where did they come from?”

Before he could continue, a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Come in,” Evelina called.

Ronan entered, battered but alive. Her parents’ second-in-command.

“Ronan!” Evelina rushed to him. “What happened?”

“We were attacked at the border,” he panted. “Rogues have taken King Apollo and Queen Helena.”

“And Luca?” Evelina asked, her heart pounding.

“He… I don’t know. He got me out, told me to return to the castle and protect you.”

Ronan straightened, grim but resolute. “I am at your service now as your personal guard.”

Evelina was momentarily shocked but quickly regained her composure. “Well, before you begin, clean up and eat something. Then return in the morning.”

Ronan left, and another knock came at the door. Evelina opened it to find the Queen, her witch, and her guards standing in the hallway.

“Well, you really need another lady’s maid,” the Queen said, her tone laced with disdain. “We can’t have you answering your own doors.”

Evelina tensed. “I heard a guard from your parents has arrived. What is the news?”

“What your trackers have said, Your Majesty. They were attacked by rogues. He was sent here to be my personal guard.”

“Really? Your personal guard?” The Queen’s eyes narrowed. “Interesting that your family sent you one. I have decided that we need to show a united front and demonstrate who is truly in power. Tomorrow, you will go out to the people and display your unity as a couple. We’re having a festival on the palace grounds,” she announced.

Evelina’s shock was evident. “But why?”

“Mother, don’t you think it’s too soon?” Caspian asked, his voice betraying his concern.

“Of course not,” the Queen snapped, her voice dripping with authority. “We make the rules here, and we will not be dictated to by whoever is behind these attacks. This festival will show our strength and resolve. It’s time for the people to see their rulers in control, not in crisis.”

The Queen turned on her heel, signaling her witch and guards to follow. “Prepare yourselves, Evelina. Tomorrow is a new day, and you will rise to meet it. Or face the consequences.”

As the Queen and her entourage departed, Evelina’s heart pounded. She looked at Caspian, a mix of determination and dread in her eyes. “I’ll be ready,” she said quietly, though uncertainty lingered in her voice.

Caspian’s gaze met hers, conflicted and weary. “We’ll face this together. For better or worse.”